The morning sun broke over the Darling Downs with the heat of an open kiln. By 6:00 AM, the cattle dogs began barking near the cattle grid at the front property line.
Three luxury European sedans sat idling beside the boundary fence. Out stepped Richard Vance and two senior partners from a premier Brisbane law firm, carrying leather briefcases thick with injunction notices.
'Mr. Sterling!' Vance shouted over the hum of the engine. 'Your granddaughter made fraudulent claims in front of licensed auction witnesses. We are prepared to offer a confidential settlement before police are involved.'
Old Tom didn't even pick up his rifle. He poured a second cup of billy tea and nodded toward the porch. 'Maisie doesn't negotiate before breakfast, gentlemen. But the Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Commissioner sitting in my kitchen might like a word.'
